China – A Traveler’s Fantasyland

China has become a very popular destination for travelers throughout the world who come here to witness its ancient culture and history. In recent years china has emerged as the world’s hottest travel destination. Hence tourism is an important sector of Chinese economy which accounted for about 50 billion U.S. dollars in foreign reserves.

It is hard to imagine now that during the Mao era tourism was practically banned in China and only few foreign travelers were allowed into mainland China. Today china ranks fifth in terms of the number of people that visit China annually and is estimated that it will become the most preferred country for travelers by 2020.

China has a very long history and travelers are spell bound when they first encounter China’s culture. The Great Wall of China is one of the Seven Wonders of the World and top attraction for foreign visitors who are mesmerized by its grandeur and size. Currently access is provided to about ten sections of the Great Wall.

Another top attraction is the Forbidden City located in the middle of the Beijing, the capital of China. It served as the seat of imperial power in China until the end of Qing dynasty. Granted a “world heritage site status in 1987”, it houses the largest collection of ancient wooden works according to UNESCO.

The ancient and famous Silk Route also is dotted with various murals and sculptures sites. Mogao caves are the most well known among these. Shaolin temple located in Henan province is also an important centre of martial arts as well as the origin place of Zen Buddhism in China. There are many ancient Buddhist temples dotted throughout China. Leshan giant Buddha statue in Sichuan province of China is the largest carved statue of Buddha in world. Besides this places like Hong Kong (Now a part of China), Yellow river, Terracotta army and the summer palace are also very popular amongst international travelers.

Besides its rich culture china is also endowed with natural beauty. It has beautiful mountains like Mount Hengshen, Mount Tai, Mount Hua and Mount Song which are collectively known as Sacred Mountains. Huanggoshu waterfalls, which can be heard from 50 km is the most spectacular waterfall in China.

There are also a large number of scenic lakes in China. The Tianchi Lake (literally meaning Heavenly Pool) which is 105 meters deep and is located amongst the Tianshin Mountains leaves many travelers spell bound because of their scenic beauty because of its pure natural environment. Situated at a height of 1980 meters above sea level, this crystal clear lake gives a panoramic view of the mountains in the midst of colorful flowers.

China also has a number of annual festivals which are particular popular among tourists. March Street of the Bai people and the Water Sprinkling Festival in Yunnan province are the most important ones.

China is also well connected to the world by air and sea transport. It provides ample opportunities to satisfy any traveler with its abundance of beauty and rich past.

By: Rob Colbourn

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China can also be a fantastic place to work. CSI deal with senior hotel recruitment in China as well as catering recruitment worldwide.